Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Key West, FL
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park holds what most people consider Key West's best beach, tucked behind a Civil War fort at the island's southwestern tip and spared the seaweed that piles up elsewhere in town. The rocky, reef-strewn bottom just offshore draws parrotfish, snapper, and enough marine life to make snorkeling worthwhile straight from the sand.
A real fort, snorkeling straight off the sand, and no seaweed make it a clear standout in a town where most beaches are imported sand over hard ground, though the small lot and high season crowds are the tradeoff for being the best option in Key West.
How we score beachesRent snorkel gear at the park instead of hauling your own from the mainland, the rocky bottom rewards it more than most Key West beaches. Get there by mid morning on weekends and in high season, December through April, since the lot does fill and there's no overflow.
The entrance fee is 7 dollars for two people in a car plus 50 cents per additional passenger, 2.50 dollars for pedestrians or cyclists. Parking is free once inside but fills quickly on weekends and during the December through April high season.
Paved paths lead from the lot to the beach and around most of the fort grounds, flat and easy going. The fort's interior has uneven brick floors and stairs, not stroller or wheelchair friendly throughout.
Dogs are welcome on the grounds and nature trails on a leash, but they aren't allowed on the beach or inside the fort.
December through April is Key West's high season and driest stretch, drawing the biggest crowds to this beach in particular. Summer brings the warmest water and hurricane season, June through November, with more elbow room most weekdays.
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